NORTHAMPTON - With supporters of Jason W. Vassell virtually clamoring at the gates of her office, Northwestern District Attorney Elizabeth D. Scheibel issued a statement Tuesday cautioning that all the facts in Vassell's case have not yet come to light.

Vassell, 23, is a former University of Massachusetts student who is a charged with two counts of aggravated assault with a dangerous weapon in connection with a stabbing at his dormitory on Feb. 3.

According to prosecutors, Vassell stabbed John C. Bowes, 20, of Hancock, N.H., and Jonathan Bosse, 19, of Milton, several times each in the lobby of Mackimmie Dormitory.

Vassell's supporters maintain that he was defending himself in a racially-motivated attack by the two men. According to defense lawyer David P. Hoose, Bowes and Bosse had appeared outside Vassell's window prior to the stabbing, shouting racial slurs and breaking the glass. Vassell, who is black, telephoned a friend for help, but Bowes and Bosse gained entrance to the dormitory building and attacked Vassell, breaking his nose, Hoose said.

Since the incident, a number of supporters have showed up at Vassell's court appearances. On Monday, they held a press conference to announce the formation of the Western Massachusetts Coalition for Justice for Jason. Coalition members plan to rally in Pulaski Park today and march to Scheibel's offices at One Gleason Plaza.

In a prepared statement Tuesday, Scheibel acknowledged the public demonstrations, but said that ethical considerations constrain her from speaking publicly about the facts of the case.

"These facts will be disclosed in the only proper forum - the courtroom," Scheibel's statement reads.

In her recounting of the evidence already presented in court, Scheibel noted that both Bosse and Bowes underwent emergency surgery for stab wounds to the back and abdomen while Vassell was treated and released for his injuries.

"I appreciate that some prosecutions generate discussion among members of the community, as has Jason Vassell's indictment," Scheibel said. "Often community member will draw conclusions about a case without having the knowledge or benefit of all the facts of the case."

She went on to note that Hoose has not filed a motion to dismiss the charges against his client. The case is scheduled to go to trial in January.

Hoose said Tuesday that, like Scheibel, he cannot comment on the facts of the case.

"My view is that this has never been about the facts of the case," he said. "This is about the district attorney's judgment as to who should be prioritized for prosecution.

Bosse has not been charged in connection with the incident. Bowes is facing a misdemeanor charge of violating a person's civil rights.